By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has assured Spanish and South Korean Ambassadors of Nigerian Army’s (NA) robust engagements and sustainable partnership in promoting effective defence relations.
Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu
Director Army Public Relations, in a statement, said the COAS gave the affirmation Tuesday 31 October 2023, when he hosted the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz and his counterpart from the Republic of South Korea, Kim Young-Chae at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Gen Lagbaja appreciated Spain’s contributions to facilitating global peace and economic development, as well as her contribution to the Multinational National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad region as well as the Joint Task Force in the North East, through interventions by the European Union (EU). The Army Chief noted that NA is anticipatory of positive interactions with the Spanish military and defence establishments in the areas of technological innovations and advancement.
The COAS, who acknowledged that the Presidency of the European Union is currently held by Spain entreated the Spanish Ambassador to facilitate the international body’s support for the NA in the ongoing effort to overcome terrorism and insurgency in the country.
In his remarks, the Spanish Ambassador extolled the NA, other services and security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting Nigerians and called on all to continue to support the Armed Forces in the discharge of its constitutional duties. He noted, that Spain as a member of the European Union (EU) has contributed meaningfully to the MNJTF in the Lake Chad region and leader of the EU, will continue to support the NA and bilaterally engage the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the area of defence cooperation.
In the same vein, the COAS, while receiving in audience, the Republic of South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae eulogized Korea for the existing cordial relations between the Nigerian Army and Korean defence forces, particularly in the area of transport logistics.
Gen Lagbaja remarked that the Republic of South Korea has impacted positively on NA operations against terrorists and insurgents.He expressed optimism that partnership in the defence and security sector will be sustained.
The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, commended the commitment of the Armed forces and the Federal Government for keeping Nigerians united, despite the cultural diversity. He noted that Korea has made significant progress in defence and security, as well as other military capabilities.
The Ambassador noted, that South Korea reveres Nigeria, as the biggest democracy in Africa. He expressed Korea’s resolve to increase her defence cooperation with the Nigeria Army.
